Natural Rubber Mixtures With Low-Volatility Aging Stabilizer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aging stabilizers for natural rubber vulcanizates have high volatility, which affects their processing and stability against ozone and oxygen, leading to issues like embrittlement and cracking.

Innovation Solution

The use of N,N′-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine as an alternative aging stabilizer, which reduces volatility and enhances the performance properties of rubber vulcanizates by improving tensile strength, elongation at break, and full vulcanization speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If known phenolic, aminic, sulfur-containing or phosphorus-containing aging stabilizers are used, then oxygen, ozone, heat and storage stability of rubber vulcanizates is improved, but volatility in the vulcanization process is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability against agingVSAvoidvolatility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the molecular structure of the aging stabilizer - specifically using N,N'-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine with cyclohexyl groups instead of smaller alkyl groups. This structural parameter change reduces volatility while maintaining the stabilizing function against oxygen and ozone, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and substance loss.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of substance

If N,N'-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine is used as aging stabilizer, then volatility is reduced and mechanical properties are improved, but the spectrum of action against aging may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovevolatilityVSAvoidspectrum of action
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the single compound N,N'-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine. It simultaneously provides aging stabilization against oxygen and ozone, improves mechanical properties (tensile strength, elongation at break), and reduces volatility. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between specialized performance and broad adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

N,N′-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine effectively stabilizes natural rubber vulcanizates against aging, reducing volatility and improving mechanical properties while maintaining low emission during production.

Implementation Method 1

natural rubber and synthetic diene rubbers contain double bonds. Specifically the reactive sites thereof in allyl position promote reaction with oxidizing agents such as ozone or oxygen. In the course of what is called aging, for example by contact with oxygen, the whole volume of the rubber article is oxidized

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

A disadvantage of these known aging stabilizers is the high volatility thereof in the vulcanization of the rubber mixtures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVolatility: Evaporation

Data Source

PatentUS20240191060A1Rubber mixtures containing n,n'-dialkyl-p-phenylenediamines
Publication Date: 2024.06.13 LANXESS DEUTSCHLAND GMBH

AI summary

New rubber mixtures on the basis of natural rubber and N, N-dicyclohexyl-p-phenylenediamine are extremely well suited for the production of vulcanized rubbers and moulded parts obtainable therefrom, in particular tires, tire parts or technical rubber articles with improved use properties.